A DEVELOPER has won permission to build flats on the site of a demolished pub in Coventry despite objections from people living nearby.

Barteak Developments is to built 31 two-bedroomed and seven one-bedroomed flats where the Radford pub, once stood in Radford Road.

Now neighbouring shops and businesses fear overspill parking from the flats will make it more difficult for their customers to park. The flats will have only 38 parking spaces.

Coal merchant Steve Porretta also fears people who move into the flats might object to his business in their back yard - even though it's been there 70 years.

His grandfather Salvatore moved his city centre business to Radford in the 1930s.

Steve, aged 55, who is married to Coventry's modern-day Lady Godiva Pru Porretta, said: "My reservation is they're going to build 38 flats and when people have settled in, they'll decide they don't want a coal yard and they'll be objecting to me."

"I'm also concerned about parking. In reality most houses these days have also got two vehicles."

Jyoti Sheth and her family have built up Radford Leather Fashions in the neighbouring row of shops over 40 years.